Pre-hypertension: how low to go and do drugs have a role?

McInnes, G. (2012) Pre-hypertension: how low to go and do drugs have a role? British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 73(2), pp. 187-193. (doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.04092.x)

Abstract

People with pre-hypertension (high blood pressure but below the conventional threshold for intervention with antihypertensive drugs) undoubtedly have increased risk of cardiovascular and other complications. However, the vast majority has low absolute risk and whether treatment would be beneficial is uncertain. While pharmacotherapy has attractions from a public health perspective, clinicians and crucially those with pre-hypertension require robust evidence that drug treatment will lead to short term as well as long term gains. Any changes in recommendations should await adequately powered outcome studies which provide solid evidence of the magnitude of absolute risk reduction in treating pre-hypertension and assessment of the cost-effectiveness.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McInnes, Professor Gordon
• Authors: McInnes, G.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
• ISSN: 0306-5251
• Published Online: 06 January 2012